Here’s a glimpse at other research happening at the University of Washington

KIDNEY DISEASE
Dialysis starting earlier than ever
A UW-Group Health Research Institute study found that over
a 10-year period (1997 to 2007), patients started dialysis at
higher and higher levels of kidney function, about five months
earlier on average. Another study showed that maintaining
good blood-sugar control early in the course of type 1 diabetes
could lessen the long-term risk of kidney disease.

HOLDING OFF HIV
Creating a vaccine to bolster the immune system
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded a
$6.7 million, four-year grant to UW Pharmacy Professor Shiu-
Lok Hu and co-investigators at the Universities of Pennsylvania
and Massachusetts to find a safe, effective vaccine that
will help the immune system ward off HIV infection.

COST OF LIVING
Making ends meet costs us 8% more
It costs 8 percent more on average than it did two years ago
for Washington residents to make ends meet, according to
research at the School of Social Work. A single parent with one
preschooler and one school-age child living in Seattle needs
an annual income of $56,904—up 13 percent from $50,268 two
years ago—to meet the family’s most basic requirements.

ROBOTIC SURGERY
New hands-off approach improves outcomes
Named Raven, seven identical robots with wing-like arms that
end in tiny claws have been designed to perform surgery on
a simulated patient. Five of them were shipped from the UW
to other universities so researchers can share software and
collaborate on projects that will help speed up procedures,
reduce errors and improve patient outcomes.

THE DEMENTIA RISK
Diabetes, depression could boost dementia
A new study of 19,000 Californians suggests that people with
diabetes who also have a major depression have a two-fold
increased risk for developing dementia. That said, the study’s
investigators say that the absolute risk of dementia for any
one person with depression and diabetes is one in 50.

EPILEPSY’S SCOURGE
Combining 2 drugs may be the answer
Dr. Nicholas P. Poolos, UW associate professor of neurology,
conducted a study that showed two drugs combined are
more effective in treating difficult-to-control epilepsy. The
two drugs are lamotrigine and valproate. Of the more than
3 million Americans who have epilepsy, 1 million of these have
a difficult-to-treat form.

DIGGING HISTORY
2,000-year-old tablet deciphered
Alexander Hollman, assistant professor of classics, had an
article published in a German publication about a 2,000-yearold
tablet he deciphered. It was found in Antioch, one of
the largest cities in the Roman Empire. The writer curses a
vegetable seller named Babylas calling on the gods to “drown
and chill his soul.”

POLLUTION FALLOUT
Study shows damage in lakes far away
Postdoctoral researcher Gordon Holtgrieve was the lead
author of a study in Science that showed nitrogen from
human activities has polluted lakes in the Northern
Hemisphere for more than a century and these changes are
evident even in remote lakes thousands of miles from the
nearest city, industrial area or farm.

PERCEIVING FAIRNESS
Basic sense of equality found in infancy
Jessica Sommerville, UW associate professor of psychology,
led a study that presented the first evidence that a basic sense
of fairness and altruism appears in infancy. Babies as young
as 15 months perceived the difference between equal and
unequal distribution of food and this awareness was linked
to their willingness to share a toy.

AGING AND LGBT
Disability, distress add to senior challenges
LGBT seniors face higher rates of disability, physical and
mental distress and a lack of access to services, according
to the first study on aging and health in these communities.
The School of Social Work study indicates that new strategies
must be developed to address their needs.

One Response to Research Roundup

I would love to read more about or read the entire study on Aging and LGBT. My Columns magazine states on page 24, “For more information on these stories, go to http://www.washington.edu.” However, I can’t find any links to additional info nor can I find a link to the original study. I don’t have the name of the author, article, or journal, so I fear that I’ll have a tough time finding the article. Any suggestions? Thanks.

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